Last June, the Zendesk Foundation’s Tech for Good program asked nonprofits how they would use the company’s technology and a share of $US 500,000 to scale operations in order to shape a better future. More than 600 organizations from around the world responded, with Zendesk’s global social impact team selecting 25 recipients, based on each applicant’s proposed use of Zendesk products and fit with the Foundation’s mission of promoting resilience, fostering community, and increasing access to careers in technology.
“The Tech for Good Impact Awards were born from a desire to extend the impact of social good organizations by empowering them not only with much-needed grant funds but also with technology solutions,” said Megan Trotter, VP social impact at Zendesk. “Learning about the work the applicant organizations are doing around the world showed us how urgent the need is for technology that can inform and connect communities quickly.”
Four recipients will receive grants of $US 50,000, and an additional 21 organizations will receive grants between $US 5,000 and $US 25,000, with all 25 also receiving free Zendesk software. All organizations successfully explained how Zendesk’s suite of customer support products would help them scale operations, increase efficiencies, empower more clients or drive greater impact.
The four top grant recipients are:
Rare: Rare is a global leader in driving social change for people and nature. For over 45 years, across 60 countries, they have inspired and empowered millions of people and their communities to shift their behaviors and practices to protect our shared planet. Zendesk will support Rare’s community engagement approach to driving behavior change and increasing climate action.
Mobile Pathways: Mobile Pathways helps immigrants get reliable legal information about numerous pathways to immigration via mobile phone technology. Zendesk will support the Mobile Pathways Sequoia Coalition to send informational messages over SMS and WhatsApp, informing approximately 500,000 immigrants about their legal rights.
Globally ReUp: In collaboration with resettlement organizations and hiring partners nationwide, Globally has developed the Refugee Upskilling Program (ReUP), a workforce development program focused on matching newly arrived Afghans with meaningful job opportunities in the technology sector. Zendesk will support ReUp with technology and upskilling services.
Spring Act: In response to the drastic increase in domestic violence during the COVID-19 pandemic, Spring ACT developed and launched the world’s first chatbot that empowers survivors. The Zendesk Impact Awards will help Spring ACT to expand, allowing Sophia to reach many more people in more languages.
The additional 21 Impact Award recipients (in alphabetical order) are:
African Refugee Development Center (ARDC), Israel
Alma Cívica, Paraguay
AMERA International, United Kingdom
Asociación Civil Impacto, Argentina
Career Village, United States
Change Machine, United States
DCU Next Generation, United States
Freeworld, United States
Good Business Lab, India
Information Technology Disaster Resource Center (ITDRC), United States
Kwanele, South Africa
Lagos Food Bank Initiative, Nigeria
One Tree Planted, United States
P3, United Kingdom
RISE/The Mom Project, United States
Rocket Learning, India
Shelter Tech, United States
Sidekick, United States
Somas Projectos Sociais, Brazil
Women In Technology, Uganda
Worthy Mentoring, United States
“Zendesk is proud to provide our solutions to organizations that are solving some of the world’s greatest challenges, and we look forward to working with these new Tech for Good champions into 2023,” said Alana Ramo, Director, Tech for Good.
About Tech for Good
The Impact Awards is an initiative of Zendesk’s Tech for Good program which supports increased access to tools and technology products for organizations that require best in class software to scale their services. Started in 2018, Tech for Good partners with nonprofit organizations to help them better manage their services and create more impact for their communities. The program currently partners with over 70 organizations (not including the Impact Award winners) and has donated over $US 7,000,000 in product and services to nonprofits around the world. For more information about the Tech For Good Impact Awards, please visit here.
